Methods, Systems, and Devices for Presenting Content Selection and Verification Presentations in a Videoconference

ABSTRACT

A method in a conferencing system terminal device includes detecting, with one or more processors during a videoconference, a communication device electronically in communication with both a content presentation companion device having a display and one or more remote electronic devices engaged in the videoconference. User input requesting for content to be shared from the conferencing system terminal device with the one or more remote electronic devices engaged in the videoconference is received. Prior to causing the communication device to share the content with the one or more remote electronic devices during the videoconference the one or more processors present, on the display of the content presentation companion device, a content verification presentation and receive a content share confirmation in response to the content verification presentation.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to electronic devices capable of providing videoconferencing features.

Background Art

Many modern electronic devices, including smartphones, tablet computers,and laptop computers, are equipped to engage in videoconferences withother electronic devices across a network. Users employ such devices tocommunicate with friends, family, and work colleagues. This isespecially true during times of pandemic, when people work remotelyrather than going to a centralized office. Participants engagevideoconferencing to engage in real-time discussions and shareelectronic content. Videoconferencing additionally offers participantsthe ability to see other participants via video feeds streamed to theparticipating electronic devices.

During videoconferences, people frequently elect to share content inaddition to video feeds depicting their visage and audio feeds includingtheir voices. Illustrating by example, a videoconference participant mayelect to share a slide deck, images, or videos with the otherparticipants. Sometimes, a participant will simply share their entirelocal desktop with the other participants. The latter situationfrequently arises when a person sharing content needs to navigatethrough multiple windows during the content share.

When sharing content in this manner, a participant can inadvertentlyreveal information that is personal, confidential, or otherwise shouldnot be shared. For instance, a videoconference participant sharing adesktop may inadvertently make personal email or sensitive orconfidential documents visible to the other participants whilenavigating between windows to be shared. It would be advantageous tohave an improved methods, systems, and devices to eliminate thesesituations while maintaining a simple and efficient content sharingprocess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory augmented reality companion device inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates one explanatory conferencing system terminal devicein accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates one explanatory content presentation companion devicein accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates one explanatory method in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates one or more method steps in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates one explanatory videoconference system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to presenting, prior to sharing content in a videoconference oneither on the display of a content presentation companion device orwithin a field of view of an augmented reality companion device, acontent verification presentation and receiving, with a user interfaceof the content presentation companion device or augmented realitycompanion device, a content share confirmation in response to presentingthe content verification presentation. Any process descriptions orblocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules,segments, or portions of code that include one or more executableinstructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in theprocess.

Alternate implementations are included, and it will be clear thatfunctions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed,including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending onthe functionality involved. Accordingly, the apparatus components andmethod steps have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure do not recite the implementation of anycommonplace business method aimed at processing business information,nor do they apply a known business process to the particulartechnological environment of the Internet. Moreover, embodiments of thedisclosure do not create or alter contractual relations using genericcomputer functions and conventional network operations. Quite to thecontrary, embodiments of the disclosure employ methods that, whenapplied to electronic device and/or user interface technology, improvethe functioning of the electronic device itself by and improving theoverall user experience to overcome problems specifically arising in therealm of the technology associated with electronic device userinteraction.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of presenting a contentverification presentation using a content presentation companion deviceor augmented reality companion device and, thereafter, receiving acontent share confirmation prior to sharing any content with otherparticipants of a videoconference as described herein. The non-processorcircuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radiotransmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, anduser input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as stepsof a method to perform the presentation of content verificationpresentation and/or the receipt of content share confirmation inresponse to the presentation of the content verification presentation toensure that only the proper content is shared with other participants ofa videoconference.

Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could beused. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been describedherein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ASICs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions.

As used herein, components may be “operatively coupled” when informationcan be sent between such components, even though there may be one ormore intermediate or intervening components between, or along theconnection path. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within tenpercent, in another embodiment within five percent, in anotherembodiment within 1 percent and in another embodiment within one-halfpercent. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected,although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicatecomponents shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. Forexample, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A wouldrefer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, never before have employees workedremotely on such a massive scale. When millions of companies went fullyremote in a short period of time to slow the spread of the CoronavirusDisease 2019, videoconferencing became the logical solution forconnecting the remote workforce and keeping teams productive from home.In a matter of weeks, video conferencing usage exploded, permeatingnearly all aspects of professional and personal life. In addition tobusiness-related meetings, remote teams around the globe began usingvideo conferencing to host virtual happy hours, ice breaker activities,online games, wine tastings, birthday parties, and other socialactivities.

Many modern personal electronic communication devices, such as notebookcomputers, tablet computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, and evensmart watches and augmented reality glasses, are utilized to participatein videoconferences with other remote participants. During a typicalvideoconference, a participant may choose to share on-screen content,such as a desktop view or an open application window, with the otherparticipants of the videoconference. This content share can be inaddition to, or instead of, providing video feeds depicting theparticipant's visage.

Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that when a participantintends to share content from more than one application or that ispresented in more than one window, rather than individually selectingeach window or application to be shared, the participant will insteadjust share their entire local desktop. However, when doing so, thatparticipant may inadvertently reveal information actively beingpresented on the desktop that is personal or confidential. For example,a user may unintentionally share personal email communications orsensitive and/or confidential enterprise documents that just happen tobe visible on the desktop when the participant initiates the share.

Existing videoconference software solutions share the participant'sdesktop identically with all other participants in the videoconference.However, in addition to the fact that some of the shared content may beof a personal nature, even when this is not so it is frequently the casethat some participants in the videoconference may not have authorizationto view some of the shared content. The sharing participant may furtherbe unaware of particular access privileges of the other participants inthe videoconference. The sharing participant may simply be unaware thatpersonal and/or confidential information happens to be visible on thedesktop when the share is initiated. Additionally, during a share eventa user may also inadvertently open additional personal or confidentialcontent that at least one other participant should not view.

Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosure provide a solution tothese and other problems arising when content sharing operations areinitiated during a videoconference. In one or more embodiments, one ormore processors detect, during a videoconference, a communication deviceelectronically in communication with both a content presentationcompanion device having a display and one or more remote electronicdevices engaged in the videoconference. When a participant in thevideoconference desires to share content with others, the one or moreprocessors receive, with a user interface, user input requesting for thecontent to be shared from the conferencing system terminal device withthe one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference.

However, in contrast to prior art systems that immediately make thecontent available for viewing by others, prior to causing thecommunication device to share the content with the one or more remoteelectronic devices during the videoconference, the one or moreprocessors present, on the display of the content presentation companiondevice, a content verification presentation. To confirm the contentincluded with the content verification presentation is indeed contentthat a participant desires to share, the one or more processors precludeany sharing until a content share confirmation is received, by anotheruser interface of the content presentation companion device, in responseto the content verification presentation. In one or more embodiments,only after the content share confirmation is received do the one or moreprocessors share the content with the other participants of thevideoconference.

Embodiments of the disclosure work well when the content presentationcompanion device is an augmented reality companion device. Illustratingby example, if the content presentation companion device comprisesaugmented reality glasses, in response to receiving, with a userinterface, user input requesting for content to be shared from theconferencing system terminal device with the one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference and prior to causingthe communication device to share the content with the one or moreremote electronic devices during the videoconference, the one or moreprocessors can presenting, in a field of view of the augmented realityglasses, the content verification presentation. The one or moreprocessors can then receive, with a user interface of the conferencingsystem terminal device or the augmented reality glasses, a content shareconfirmation in response to the content verification presentation.

In one or more embodiments, when the content presentation companiondevice is configured as an augmented reality companion device, images ofthe content verification presentation are presented within a field ofview of the augmented reality glasses in a carousel presentation aroundthe conferencing system terminal device. In one or more embodiments, theparticipant can select the shared content via a gesture, gaze, mouseclick, or other user input. The one or more processors can then cause acommunication device of the conferencing system terminal device to sharethe selected content with one or more remote electronic devices duringthe videoconference in response to receiving the content shareconfirmation.

In one or more embodiments, one or more processors of a conferencingsystem terminal device detect that a videoconference participant isoperating a conferencing system terminal device that is in communicationwith a content presentation companion device. The content presentationcompanion device could take many forms, including that of a stand-alonemonitor, a companion tablet computer, a companion smartphone, acompanion smartwatch, or other connected device that includes a display.The content presentation companion device can include its own processorand operating system capabilities in some embodiments. In otherembodiments, it will not.

The system then detects that the videoconference participant is engagedin an active videoconference with content being shared by theparticipant within a shared space of the videoconference that isviewable by at least one other participant of the videoconference. Theshared space defines a visible area of content that is generallyviewable by receiving participants during the videoconference unlessobscured by any known or proprietary mechanisms.

In one or more embodiments, the system then determines that thevideoconference participant would like to share additional content otherthan what is being currently shared. In one or more embodiments, one ormore processors of the conferencing system terminal device then move allthe active windows and/or a file explorer option to the display of thecontent presentation companion device so that the participant intendingto share the content can privately preview the content and/or choose newcontent to be shared in the shared space of the videoconference. In oneor more embodiments, this information presented on the display of thecontent presentation companion device in the form of a contentverification presentation.

Once a content share confirmation is received in response to the contentverification presentation, the system can move the active windowselection from the display of the content presentation companion deviceto the shared space of the videoconference. Advantageously, presentingthe content verification presentation on the display of the contentpresentation companion device avoids any obscuration or restriction ofthe content currently being shared with the other videoconferenceparticipants. The system does this by keeping the “to be shared” contentto remain private and visible only to the participant requesting theshare until the content share confirmation is received. Once the contentshare confirmation is received, the shared content is moved to theshared space and made visible to the remainder of the participants.

When the content presentation companion device is configured as anaugmented reality companion device having a field of view wider than theconferencing system terminal device with which the augmented realitycompanion device is in communication, additional features can beprovided. In one or more embodiments, the system initially detects thata videoconference participant is operating a conferencing systemterminal device that is in communication with an augmented realitycompanion device such as a pair of connected augmented reality glasses.The system detects that the videoconference participant is activelyengaged in a videoconference with content being shared within the sharedspace of the videoconference.

While this initial content is being shared, the system determines thatthe videoconference participant would like to share additional dataother than what is presently being shared. In one or more embodiments,the one or more processors of the conferencing system terminal devicethen move all the active windows and/or a file explorer option into afield of view of the augmented reality companion device that isnon-overlapping with the conferencing system terminal device with whichthe augmented reality companion device is operating. In one or moreembodiments, these images are presented in a carousel presentationwithin the field of view of the augmented reality companion device thatat least partially encircles the view of the conferencing systemterminal device. From this carousel presentation, the videoconferenceparticipant can choose a new active window to be shared in the sharedspace. In one or more embodiments, the carousel presentation ispresented as a content verification presentation.

Presenting these available options to the user in the field of view ofthe augmented reality companion device in a non-overlapping manner withthe conferencing system terminal device—rather than in the shared spaceof the videoconference—prevents the available options from obscuring orrestricting the content currently being shared in the shared space whilethe selection is being made. Once the sharing participant provides acontent share confirmation in response to the content verificationpresentation, which can be in the form of a gesture, a gaze, or otherselection of the content offerings, the system causes a communicationdevice of the conferencing system terminal device to share the selectedcontent with the other participants of the videoconference.

Advantageously, moving the active window selection to the field of viewof the augmented reality companion device allows unshared content toremain private to the sharing participant of the videoconference untilthe content share confirmation is delivered. Once the content shareconfirmation is delivered, the selected content can be moved to theshared space and made viewable to the other participants of thevideoconference.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is one explanatory augmentedreality companion device 100 configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the augmented reality companion device 100 comprises augmented realityglasses. However, this is for explanatory purposes only, as theaugmented reality companion device 100 could be configured in any numberof other ways as well. Illustrating by example, the augmented realitycompanion device 100 could also be configured as any of sunglasses,goggles, masks, shields, or visors. Other forms of the augmented realitycompanion device 100 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

The augmented reality companion device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a frame101 and one or more stems 102,103. Here, the one or more stems 102,103comprise a first stem 102 and a second stem 103. One or more lenses104,105 can be disposed within the frame 101. The lenses 104,105 can beprescription or non-prescription, and can be clear, tinted, or dark.

In one or more embodiments the stems 102,103 are pivotable from a firstposition where they are situated adjacent to, and parallel with, theframe 101, to a second, radially displaced open position shown in FIG. 1. However, in other embodiments the stems 102,103 may be fixed relativeto the frame 101. In still other embodiments, such as might be the caseif the augmented reality companion device 100 were configured asgoggles, the stems 102,103 may be flexible or soft. For example, thestems of goggles are frequently elasticized fabric, which is soft,flexible, pliable, and stretchy. Other types of stems 102,103 will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments the stems 102,103 attach to the frame 101 ata first end 108,109 and extend distally from the frame 101 to a second,distal end 110,126. In one embodiment, each stem 102,103 includes atemple portion 106 and an ear engagement portion 107. The temple portion106 is the portion of the stem 102,103 passing from the frame 101 pastthe temple of a wearer, while the ear engagement portion 107 engages thewearer's ear to retain the augmented reality glasses to the wearer'shead.

Since the augmented reality companion device 100 is configured as anelectronic device, one or both of the frame 101 and the stems 102,103can comprise one or more electrical components. These electricalcomponents are shown illustratively in a schematic block diagram 125 inFIG. 1 . It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure that the electrical components andassociated modules can be used in different combinations, with somecomponents and modules included and others omitted. Components ormodules can be included or excluded based upon need or application.

The electronic components can include one or more processors 111. Theone or more processors 111 can be disposed in one or both of the stems102,103 or the frame 101. The one or more processors 111 can be operablewith a memory 112. The one or more processors 111, which may be any ofone or more microprocessors, programmable logic, application specificintegrated circuit device, or other similar device, are capable ofexecuting program instructions and methods described herein. The programinstructions and methods may be stored either on-board in the one ormore processors 111, or in the memory 112, or in other computer readablemedia coupled to the one or more processors 111.

The one or more processors 111 can be configured to operate the variousfunctions of the augmented reality companion device 100, and also toexecute software or firmware applications and modules that can be storedin a computer readable medium, such as memory 112. The one or moreprocessors 111 execute this software or firmware, in part, to providedevice functionality. The memory 112 may include either or both staticand dynamic memory components, may be used for storing both embeddedcode and user data.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality companion device 100also includes an optional wireless communication device 113. Whereincluded, the wireless communication device 113 is operable with the oneor more processors 111 and is used to facilitate electroniccommunication with one or more electronic devices or servers or othercommunication devices across a network. Note that it is possible tocombine the one or more processors 111, the memory 112, and the wirelesscommunication device 113 into a single device, or alternatively intodevices having fewer parts while retaining the functionality of theconstituent parts.

The wireless communication device 113, which may be one of a receiver ortransmitter and may alternatively be a transceiver, operates inconjunction with the one or more processors 111 to electronicallycommunicate through a communication network. For example, in oneembodiment, the wireless communication device 113 can be configured tocommunicate through a traditional cellular network. Other examples ofnetworks with which the communication circuit may communicate includeproprietary networks and direct communication networks. In otherembodiments, the wireless communication device 113 can communicate withnear field or local area networks, infrared communication circuits,magnetic field modulation circuits, and Wi-Fi circuits. In one or moreembodiments, the wireless communication device 113 can be configured toprovide messaging functionality to deliver electronic messages to remotedevices.

A battery 114 or other energy storage device can be included to providepower for the various components of the augmented reality companiondevice 100. While a battery 114 is shown in FIG. 1 , it will be obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that other energy storage devices can be used instead of thebattery 114, including a micro fuel cell or an electrochemicalcapacitor. The battery 114 can include a lithium-ion cell, lithiumpolymer cell, or a nickel metal hydride cell, such cells havingsufficient energy capacity, wide operating temperature range, largenumber of charging cycles, and long useful life. The battery 114 mayalso include overvoltage and overcurrent protection and chargingcircuitry. In one embodiment, the battery 114 comprises a small, lithiumpolymer cell.

In one or more embodiments, a photovoltaic device 115, such as a solarcell, can be included to recharge the battery 114. In one embodiment,the photovoltaic device 115 can be disposed along the temple portion 106of the stems 102,103. In this illustrative embodiment, two solar cellsare disposed in the temple portion 106 of each stem 102,103,respectively.

Other components 116 can be optionally included in the augmented realitycompanion device 100 as well. For example, in one embodiment one or moremicrophones can be included as audio capture devices 117. These audiocapture devices can be operable with the one or more processors 111 toreceive voice input. Additionally, in one or more embodiments the audiocapture devices 117 can capture ambient audio noise. Signalscorresponding to captured audio can be transmitted to an electronicdevice in communication with the augmented reality companion device 100or a server or cloud-computing device. The other component 116 canadditionally include loudspeakers for delivering audio content to a userwearing the augmented reality companion device 100.

The other components 116 can also include a motion generation device forproviding haptic notifications or vibration notifications to a user. Forexample, a piezoelectric transducer, rotational motor, or otherelectromechanical device can be configured to impart a force orvibration upon the temple portion 106 of the stems 102,103, oralternatively along the frame 101. The motion generation device canprovide a thump, bump, vibration, or other physical sensation to theuser. The one or more processors 111 can be configured to actuate themotion generation device to deliver a tactile or vibration output aloneor in combination with other outputs such as audible outputs.

Similarly, in one or more embodiments the augmented reality companiondevice 100 can include a video capture device 127 such as an imager. Theimager can be disposed within the frame 101 or stems 102,103. In one ormore embodiments, the video capture device 127 can function as a todetect changes in optical intensity, color, light, or shadow in the nearvicinity of the augmented reality companion device 100. As with theaudio capture device 117, captured video information can be transmittedto an electronic device, a remote server, or cloud-computing device.

Other sensors 119 can be optionally included in the augmented realitycompanion device 100. One example of such a sensor is a globalpositioning system device for determining where the augmented realitycompanion device 100 is located. The global positioning system devicecan communicate with a constellation of earth orbiting satellites or anetwork of terrestrial base stations to determine an approximatelocation. While a global positioning system device is one example of alocation determination module, it will be clear to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that otherlocation determination devices, such as electronic compasses orgyroscopes, could be used as well.

The other sensors 119 can also include an optional user interface. Theuser interface can be used, for example, to activate the circuitcomponents or turn them OFF, control sensitivity of the other sensors119, receive user input, and so forth. The user interface, whereincluded, can be operable with the one or more processors 111 to deliverinformation to, and receive information from, a user. The user interfacecan include a rocker switch, slider pad, button, touch-sensitivesurface, or other controls, and optionally a voice command interface.These various components can be integrated together.

In one or more embodiments, an audio output device 120, such as aloudspeaker or other transducer, can deliver audio output to a user. Forexample, piezoelectric transducers can be operably disposed within thestems 102,103. Actuation of the piezoelectric transducers can cause thestems 102,103 to vibrate, thereby emitting acoustic output. Moretraditional audio output devices 120, such as loudspeakers, can be usedas well.

The other components 116 can optionally include a haptic deviceproviding haptic feedback to a user. The haptic device can include amotion generation device to deliver a tactile response to the user. Forexample, a piezoelectric transducer or other electromechanical devicecan be included in the stems 102,103. The transducer can actuate toimpart a force upon the user's head to provide a thump, bump, vibration,or other physical sensation to the user. The inclusion of both the audiooutput device 120 and the haptic device allows both audible and tactilefeedback to be delivered.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality companion device 100includes an augmented reality image presentation device 121 operable todeliver augmented reality imagery to a user. The augmented reality imagepresentation device 121 can be operable with a projector 122. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , the frame 101 supports the projector122. In one or more embodiments the projector 122 is configured todeliver images to a holographic optical element when the augmentedreality companion device 100 is operating in an augmented reality modeof operation.

In one embodiment, the projector 122 is a modulated light projectoroperable to project modulated light images along a surface orholographic optical element. In another embodiment, the projector 122 isa thin micro projector. In another embodiment, the projector 122 cancomprise a laser projector display module. Other types of projectorswill be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the projector 122 can include a lens and aspatial light modulator configured to manipulate light to produceimages. The projector 122 can include a light source, such as a singlewhite light emitting diode, multiple separate color light emittingdiodes, or multiple separate color laser diodes that deliver visiblelight to the spatial light modulator through a color combiner. Theaugmented reality image presentation device 121 can drive the spatiallight modulator to modulate the light to produce images. The spatiallight modulator can be optically coupled (e.g., by free spacepropagation) to the lens and/or a beam steerer. Where used, a beamsteerer serves to steer a spatially modulated light beam emanating fromthe spatial light modulator through the lens to create images.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality companion device 100includes a companion device display integration manager 124. Thecompanion device display integration manager 124 can be used tocommunicate with a companion electronic device. Illustrating by example,when another device transmits event notifications, subtitles, or othercontextual information to the augmented reality companion device 100,the companion device display integration manager 124 can deliver thatinformation to the augmented reality image presentation device 121 forpresentation to the user as an augmented reality experience via theprojector 122.

The augmented reality companion device 100 of FIG. 1 can operate as astand-alone electronic device in one or more embodiments. However, inother embodiments, the augmented reality companion device 100 canoperate in tandem with an electronic device, via wireless electroniccommunication using the wireless communication device 113 or via a wiredconnection channel 123 to form an augmented reality system. When theelectronic device is equipped to engage in a videoconference, it isrevered to as a “conferencing system terminal device.” Turning now toFIG. 2 , illustrated therein is one such conferencing system terminaldevice 200.

The conferencing system terminal device 200 of FIG. 9 is a portableelectronic device. For illustrative purposes, the conferencing systemterminal device 200 is shown as a smartphone. However, the conferencingsystem terminal device 200 could be any number of other devices as well,including tablet computers, desktop computers, notebook computers, andso forth. Still other types of conferencing system terminal devices canbe configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure as will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

This illustrative conferencing system terminal device 200 includes adisplay 201, which may optionally be touch-sensitive. In one embodimentwhere the display 201 is touch-sensitive, the display 201 can serve as aprimary user interface 202 of the conferencing system terminal device200. Users can deliver user input to the display 201 of such anembodiment by delivering touch input from a finger, stylus, or otherobjects disposed proximately with the display 201.

In one embodiment, the display 201 is configured as an active-matrixorganic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display. However, it should benoted that other types of displays, including liquid crystal displays,would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure. Where the conferencing system terminaldevice 200 is configured with a keyboard and/or mouse, such as when theconferencing system terminal device 200 is configured as a computer, thekeyboard and/or mouse can serve as the primary user interface 202.

A block diagram schematic 203 of the conferencing system terminal device200 is also shown in FIG. 2 . The block diagram schematic 203 can beconfigured as a printed circuit board assembly disposed within thedevice housing of the conferencing system terminal device 200. Variouscomponents can be electrically coupled together by conductors or a busdisposed along one or more printed circuit boards.

In one or more embodiments, the conferencing system terminal device 200includes one or more processors 204. In one embodiment, the one or moreprocessors 204 can include an application processor and, optionally, oneor more auxiliary processors. One or both of the application processoror the auxiliary processor(s) can include one or more processors. One orboth of the application processor or the auxiliary processor(s) can be amicroprocessor, a group of processing components, one or more ASICs,programmable logic, or other type of processing device.

The application processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be operablewith the various components of the conferencing system terminal device200. Each of the application processor and the auxiliary processor(s)can be configured to process and execute executable software code toperform the various functions of the conferencing system terminal device200. A storage device, such as memory 205, can optionally store theexecutable software code used by the one or more processors 204 duringoperation.

The conferencing system terminal device 200 also includes acommunication device 206 that can be configured for wired or wirelesscommunication with one or more other devices or networks. The networkscan include a wide area network, a local area network, and/or personalarea network. The communication device 206 may also utilize wirelesstechnology for communication, such as, but are not limited to,peer-to-peer or ad hoc communications such as HomeRF, Bluetooth and IEEE802.11, and other forms of wireless communication such as infraredtechnology. The communication device 206 can include wirelesscommunication circuitry, one of a receiver, a transmitter, ortransceiver, and one or more antennas.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 204 can be responsible forperforming the primary functions of the conferencing system terminaldevice 200. For example, in one embodiment the one or more processors204 comprise one or more circuits operable with one or more userinterface devices, which can include the display 201, to engage invideoconferences by transmitting, receiving, and presenting images,video, content, or other presentation information. The executablesoftware code used by the one or more processors 204, including thatassociated with a videoconference application 207, can be configured asone or more modules 208 that are operable with the one or moreprocessors 204. Such modules 208 can store instructions, controlalgorithms, logic steps, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 204 are responsible forrunning the operating system environment of the conferencing systemterminal device 200. The operating system environment can include akernel and one or more drivers, and an application service layer, and anapplication layer. The operating system environment can be configured asexecutable code operating on one or more processors or control circuitsof the conferencing system terminal device 200. The application layercan be responsible for executing application service modules. Theapplication service modules may support one or more applications or“apps,” such as the videoconference application 207. The applications ofthe application layer can be configured as clients of the applicationservice layer to communicate with services through application programinterfaces (APIs), messages, events, or other inter-processcommunication interfaces. Where auxiliary processors are used, they canbe used to execute input/output functions, actuate user feedbackdevices, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 204 may generate commandsor execute control operations based upon user input received at the userinterface 202. Moreover, the one or more processors 204 may process thereceived information alone or in combination with other data, such asthe information stored in the memory 205.

The conferencing system terminal device 200 can include one or moresensors 209. The one or more sensors 209 may include a microphone, anearpiece speaker, and/or a second loudspeaker. The one or more othersensors 209 may also include touch actuator selection sensors, proximitysensors, a touch pad sensor, a touch screen sensor, a capacitive touchsensor, and one or more switches. Touch sensors may used to indicatewhether any of the user actuation targets present on the display 201,including the audio difficulties user actuation targets described above,are being actuated. The other sensors 209 can also include audio sensorsand video sensors (such as a camera).

Other components 210 operable with the one or more processors 204 caninclude output components such as video outputs, audio outputs, and/ormechanical outputs. Examples of output components include audio outputssuch as speaker port, earpiece speaker, or other alarms and/or buzzersand/or a mechanical output component such as vibrating or motion-basedmechanisms. Still other components will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The other components 210 can also include an audio input/processor. Theaudio input/processor can include hardware, executable code, and speechmonitor executable code in one embodiment. The audio input/processor caninclude, stored in memory 205, basic speech models, trained speechmodels, or other modules that are used by the audio input/processor toreceive and identify voice commands that are received with audio inputcaptured by an audio input/processor, one example of which is amicrophone of the one or more sensors 209. In one embodiment, the audioinput/processor can include a voice recognition engine. Regardless ofthe specific implementation utilized in the various embodiments, theaudio input/processor can access various speech models to identifyspeech commands in one or more embodiments.

To capture video during a videoconference, in one or more embodimentsthe conferencing system terminal device 200 includes an imager 211 oranother image capture device. The conferencing system terminal device200 can optionally include a depth imager as well.

In one embodiment, the imager 211 comprises a two-dimensional imagerconfigured to receive at least one image of a person within anenvironment of the conferencing system terminal device 200. In oneembodiment, the imager 211 comprises a two-dimensional RGB imager. Inanother embodiment, the imager 211 comprises an infrared imager. Othertypes of imagers suitable for use as the imager 211 of the conferencingsystem terminal device 200 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the conferencing system terminal device 200includes a companion device display integration manager 212. Thecompanion device display integration manager 212 can be used tocommunicate with a companion electronic device, one example of which isthe augmented reality companion device (100) of FIG. 1 . Theconferencing system terminal device 200 can operate as a stand-aloneelectronic device in one or more embodiments. However, in otherembodiments, the conferencing system terminal device 200 can operate intandem with a content presentation companion device and/or augmentedreality companion device via wireless electronic communication using thecommunication device 206. Turning now to FIG. 3 , illustrated therein isone such content presentation companion device 300.

In this illustrative embodiment, the content presentation companiondevice 300 comprises a color video monitor. In other embodiments, thecontent presentation companion device 300 can take other forms.Illustrating by example, the content presentation companion device 300can be a television, a computer display, a laptop display, a tabletcomputer, or a projector projecting content onto a screen. Otherexamples of content presentation companion devices 300 will be obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure. Regardless of configuration, in one or more embodiments thecontent presentation companion device 300 includes one or moreprocessors 302, a display 301, a memory 303, an audio output 304, and acommunication device 305 capable of wired or wireless communication withan electronic device such as the conferencing system terminal device(200) of FIG. 2 .

In one or more embodiments, when coupled by a wireless connection tosuch an conferencing system terminal device (200), the contentpresentation companion device 300 can function as an auxiliary displayfor the conferencing system terminal device (200). The conferencingsystem terminal device (200) can receive content from a terrestrialbroadcast network, cable television network, videoconference server,Internet streaming service, or combinations thereof, and redirect thiscontent to the content presentation companion device 300 (using itscompanion device display integration manager (212)) since its display301 is larger than the display (201) of the conferencing system terminaldevice (200). In one or more embodiments, content flows from theconferencing system terminal device (200) to the content presentationcompanion device 300 through the communication device 305.

It is to be understood that in FIGS. 1-3 above, the elements illustratedare provided for illustrative purposes only in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. None is intended to be a completeschematic diagram of the various components required. Therefore, otheraugmented reality companion devices, conferencing system terminaldevices, and content presentation companion devices configured inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure may include various othercomponents obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure, but not shown in FIGS. 1-3 , or may includea combination of two or more components or a division of a particularcomponent into two or more separate components, and still be within thescope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , illustrated therein is one explanatoryvideoconference system in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. As shown, multiple participants 407,408,409,410 each employtheir own respective conferencing system terminal device 200,402,403,404to engage with the other participants via the videoconference. In thisillustrative embodiment, conferencing system terminal devices 200,402are shown as smartphones, while conferencing system terminal devices403,404 are shown as desktop computers. Additionally, participant 407 isusing a content presentation companion device 405 as an auxiliarydisplay for his conferencing system terminal device 200. While thissystem provides one explanatory configuration of electronic devicesengaged in a videoconference, conferencing system terminal devicessuitable for use in the videoconference system can take other forms aswell. For instance, tablet computers, notebook computers, audiovisualdevices, mobile phones, smart watches, or other devices can be used byparticipants to engage in the videoconference as well. Other examples ofconferencing system terminal devices will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 4 , each conferencing system terminal device200,402,403,404 is engaged in wired or wireless communication with eachother across a network 406, one example of which is the Internet via theWorld Wide Web. It should be noted that the network 406 could be apublic, private, local area, wide area, or other type of network acrosswhich wired or wireless electronic communications can be exchanged.

In this illustrative embodiment, each conferencing system terminaldevice 200,402,403,404 is also in communication with a videoconferencing system server complex 417 across the network 406. In one ormore embodiments video conferencing system server complex 417 includescomponents such as a web server, a database server, an audio server, andoptionally a video server (the video server may be omitted for audioonly conferencing systems) that are operable to facilitatevideoconferences between the various conferencing system terminaldevices 200,402,403,404 of the videoconference system.

These components of the video conferencing system server complex 417 canbe combined on the same server. Alternatively, these components can bedistributed on any number of servers to increase load handling capacitybeyond that of a single server, and so forth. Other configurations forthe video conferencing system server complex 417 will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the video conferencing system server complex417 performs functions such as maintaining a schedule ofvideoconferences, maintaining lists of participants, as well as allowingeach participant's conferencing system terminal device to engage withthe videoconference, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the videoconferencing system server complex 417 also facilitates the transmissionof audio and video content during the occurrence of the videoconference.

In one or more embodiments, the video conferencing system server complex417 functions as an intermediary device to facilitate sharing of audioand/or video content and/or data between the various conferencing systemterminal devices 200,402,403,404. For example, as can be seen on thedisplays of conferencing system terminal device 402, in this exampleparticipant 408 can see each other participant engaged in thevideoconference.

In the illustrative example of FIG. 4 , as can be seen on the display ofconferencing system terminal device 402, participants 408,409,410 areengaged in the videoconference. Participant 407 is in the process ofpairing the content presentation companion device 405 with hisconferencing system terminal device 200. Once paired, participant 407will also join the videoconference.

In FIG. 4 , the conferencing system terminal device 200 and the contentpresentation companion device 405 operate in tandem as a system, withthe conferencing system terminal device 200 providing the processingpower while the content presentation companion device 405 serves as anauxiliary display device for the conferencing system terminal device200.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the conferencing system terminal device 200 iselectronically in communication with the content presentation companiondevice 405. When the conferencing system terminal device 200 iselectronically in communication with the content presentation companiondevice 405, this allows the conferencing system terminal device 200 touse the larger display of the content presentation companion device 405to present content. Illustrating by example, in one or more embodimentsthe conferencing system terminal device 200 can operate in a “contentredirection” mode by presenting content such as movies, videos,videoconferences. images, and even a traditional computer userinterface, on the display of the content presentation companion device405.

Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that with the advancedcomputing power available in smartphones and other electronic devices,users often consume movies, videos, television shows, and other content,including videoconference content, using these devices. By establishingan electronic communication channel between the conferencing systemterminal device 200 and the content presentation companion device 405,the processing power of the conferencing system terminal device 200 canbe leveraged to present content on the display of the contentpresentation companion device 405. This allows videoconferenceparticipant 407 to use the display of the content presentation companiondevice 405 to engage in the videoconference of FIG. 4 .

Since the participants 408,409,410 are all engaged in a videoconference,each can see conference content in the form of a combined video feedfrom each other participant 408,409,410 presented on the display of eachconferencing system terminal device 402,403,404, as well as a video feedof themselves. Under ordinary conditions, each participant 408,409,410can hear an audio feed from each other participant 408,409,410 as well.

In this illustrative embodiment, participant 409 is acting as apresenter, and is speaking, noting that a friend, Buster, “says hello.”Participant 409 is stalling for participant 407, who is late in joiningthe videoconference. The presenter's conferencing system terminal device403 receives this audio and captures video of the presenter andtransmits the same to the other conferencing system terminal devices402,403 via the video conferencing system server complex 417. Whileparticipant 409 is the presenter at the moment, it is to be understoodthat the presenter role can be changed throughout the videoconference aswell, with each other participant 408,410 taking the role of presenterat other times as situations warrant. When participant 407 finally joinsthe videoconference, he can serve as presenter as well.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , participant 407 has fully engaged thevideoconference. Participant 407 also wants to become the presenter. Asshown on the display of the content presentation companion device 405,participant 407 is multitasking, with many different windows open on thedesktop 501 being displayed on the content presentation companion device405. (Here the content presentation companion device 405 is functioningas the primary display for the system defined by the conferencing systemterminal device 200 and the content presentation companion device 405,with the display of the conferencing system terminal device 200 servingas an auxiliary display. Accordingly, since the desktop 501 is beingpresented on the content presentation companion device 405, theconferencing system terminal device 200 effectively becomes a contentpresentation companion device for the content presentation companiondevice 405.) In this illustration, the desktop includes a shared space502 depicting content associated with the videoconference, a spreadsheet503 that participant 407 wishes to share with the other participants408,409,410 of the videoconference and a hilarious video 504 thatparticipant 407 is watching on the side, despite the fact that he shouldinstead be fully engaged in the videoconference.

The one or more processors (204) of conferencing system terminal device200 detect, during the videoconference that the communication device(206) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 is electronicallyin communication with both the content presentation companion device 405and one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference, here conferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404.Since participant 407 desires to share the spreadsheet 503 with theother conferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404, he delivers userinput 505 to the user interface of conferencing system terminal device200 requesting for the spreadsheet to be shared from the conferencingsystem terminal device 200 with the other conferencing system terminaldevices 402,403,404 engaged in the videoconference.

To identify that the spreadsheet 503 should be shared, participant 407believes he has selected the spreadsheet 503 as content to be shared.However, in this example, he has inadvertently selected the hilariousvideo 504 instead. If he were to share the hilarious video 504 with theother participants 408,409,410, either by sharing it as selected contentor by sharing the desktop 501, it would be embarrassing as the otherparticipants 408,409,410 would instantly know that participant 407 wasnot fully engaged in the videoconference.

Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosure provide a solution to thisproblem. Turning now to FIG. 6 , in one or more embodiments, prior tocausing the communication device (206) of the conferencing systemterminal device 200 to share the spreadsheet 503 with the otherconferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404 engaged in thevideoconference, the one or more processors (204) of the conferencingsystem terminal device 200 present a content verification presentation601 on the display of the conferencing system terminal device 200. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the content verification presentation 601presents the content selected for sharing in FIG. 5 , which turns out tobe the hilarious video 504 and not the spreadsheet 503.

Shocked and dismayed at the inadvertent and erroneous selection ofcontent to be shared, participant 407 can privately preview what wouldbe shared and can detect that the hilarious video 504 is about to beshared. The same preview can be made if, for example, participant 407had elected to share the desktop 501 as a whole rather than selecting asingle application. The content verification presentation 601 of FIG. 6would have shown that portions of the hilarious video 504 were exposedand visible on the desktop 501. Thus, by viewing the contentverification presentation 601 on a content presentation companion deviceof the primary display being used for the shared space 502 of thevideoconference, the participant 407 can preview content to ensure thatno personal, private, or other content that should not be shared priorto any sharing with the other conferencing system terminal devices402,403,404 occurring.

What's more, if participant 407 had been sharing content prior toattempting to sharing the spreadsheet 503, with that content appearingwithin the shared space 502 of the videoconference, the presentation ofthe content verification presentation 601 on a content presentationcompanion device of the primary display allows the participant 407 toensure that the proper content is to be shared next without obscurationor restriction of any content currently being shared in the shared space502 with the other videoconference participants 408,409,410. The systemdoes this by keeping the “to be shared” content, which is thespreadsheet 503 in this example, private and visible only to the sharingparticipant 407 by presenting it on a content presentation companiondevice of a primary content presentation device, which is the display ofthe conferencing system terminal device 200 in this example.

As shown in FIG. 6 , in one or more embodiments the one or moreprocessors (204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 precludethe communication device (206) from sharing the “to be shared content,”which was intended to be the spreadsheet 503 but is instead thehilarious video 504 from being shared with the other conferencing systemterminal devices 402,403,404 until a content share confirmation isreceived at the user interface of the electronic device presenting thecontent verification presentation 601. In this illustration, the contentverification presentation 601 comprises a prompt 602 allowing for acontent share confirmation allowing the hilarious video 504 to be sharedat a first user actuation target 603. The content verificationpresentation 601 also presents a content selector 604 allowing thesharing participant 407 to select alternate content for sharing. Sinceparticipant 407 does not want the hilarious video to be shared with theother conferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404, he delivers userinput to the content selector 604, thereby allowing him to select othercontent.

Turning now to FIG. 7 , the participant 407 then selects the spreadsheet503 as the content to be shared, delivering user input 701 to the userinterface of the conferencing system terminal device 200 requesting forthe spreadsheet 503 to be shared with the other conferencing systemterminal devices 402,403,404. The process would then repeat, as shownabove in FIG. 6 . However, instead of the content verificationpresentation (601) presenting the hilarious video 504, it would insteadpresent the spreadsheet 503. Rather than selecting the content selector(604), since participant 407 does intend to share the spreadsheet 503,the participant would deliver a content share confirmation by touchingthe first user actuation target (603) of the prompt. The user interfaceof the conferencing system terminal device 200 would then receive thiscontent share confirmation in response to the content verificationpresentation 601. The one or more processors (204) would then cause thecommunication device (206) to share the spreadsheet 503 with the otherconferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404 during thevideoconference in response to receiving the content share confirmation.

As shown in FIG. 7 , this results in the spreadsheet 503 being moved tothe shared space 502 of the videoconference. As shown on the display ofconferencing system terminal device 402, this means the spreadsheet 503is successfully being shown to other participants 408,409,410 in theshared space 502 of the videoconference.

In the example provided by FIGS. 5-7 , only the selected content, e.g.,the hilarious video 504 of FIG. 6 or the spreadsheet 503 when FIG. 6 isrepeated, is presented in the content verification presentation 601.However, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. In otherembodiments, a plurality of content offerings could be included in thecontent verification presentation 601.

Illustrating by example, repeating FIGS. 5-7 , if participant 407 hadelected to share the desktop 501, the content verification presentation601 may include a presentation of the desktop 501 that includes each ofthe shared space 502 of the videoconference, the spreadsheet 503, andthe hilarious video. Said differently, in this scenario the contentverification presentation 601 can include a plurality of contentofferings available to be shared with the one or more conferencingsystem terminal devices 402,403,404 engaged in the videoconference.While a spreadsheet 503 and a hilarious video 504 are examples of suchcontent offerings, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. Inother embodiments, the plurality of content offerings comprises one ormore of an application actively operating on the one or more processors(204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200, a tab of a webbrowser, an image of the desktop or another display of anotherelectronic device operating as a system with the conferencing systemterminal device 200, a file manager or an application window. Otherexamples of content offerings that can be shared during avideoconference will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

Where such a plurality of content offerings is presented, a user canmake a selection of the content to be shared from the plurality ofcontent offerings presented in the content presentation companiondevice. Using the example of FIGS. 5-7 , if participant 407 had sharedthe desktop 501 initially, in one or more embodiments the contentverification presentation 601 would include a depiction of the desktop501. By touching one of the open windows, e.g., the spreadsheet 503 orthe hilarious video 504, participant 407 could select the content to beshared directly from the content verification presentation 601 in one ormore embodiments. Accordingly, the content share confirmation deliveredat FIG. 6 by touching the user actuation target 603 would comprise aselection of the content from the plurality of content offerings shownin the content verification presentation 601.

What's more, in the example of FIGS. 5-7 , the hilarious video 504 is atleast partially obscured on the desktop 501 when the user input 505requesting that content be shared is received. This may have been whatinitially led to the participant 407 inadvertently selecting thehilarious video 504 instead of the spreadsheet 503. However, bypresenting the content verification presentation 601 as shown in FIG. 6, the participant 407 can quickly and easily be alerted to this mistakebefore any sharing occurs, thereby avoiding embarrassment. Theconferencing system terminal device 200 does this by allowing “to beshared” content to remain private and visible only to the participant407 requesting the share until the content share confirmation isreceived by touching the user actuation target 603. Once the contentshare confirmation is received, the shared content is moved to theshared space 502 and made visible to the remainder of the participants408,409,410, as shown in FIG. 7

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 , a conferencing system terminaldevice 200 includes a communication device (206) in communication withboth one or more remote electronic devices, shown in FIGS. 5-7 as otherconferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404 during avideoconference. In FIGS. 5-7 , since the content presentation companiondevice 405 is operating as a primary display for the conferencing systemterminal device 200, the display of the conferencing system terminaldevice 200 performs the function of serving as a content presentationcompanion device for content presentation companion device 405.

As shown at FIG. 5 , a user interface receives user input 505 requestingthe communication device (206) share content from the conferencingsystem terminal device 200 with the one or more remote electronicdevices. One or more processors operable (204) with the communicationdevice (206) and the user interface then prevent the communicationdevice (206) from sharing the content with the one or more remoteelectronic devices until a content share confirmation, here actuation ofuser actuation target 603, is received from the content presentationcompanion device in response to the one or more processors (204) causingthe communication device (206) to present a content verificationpresentation 601 on a display of the content presentation companiondevice.

The content verification presentation 601 can include a presentation ofthe content as shown in FIG. 6 . Alternatively, it can include aplurality of content offerings from which content to be shared isselected. Illustrating by example, if the participant 407 elected toshare the desktop 501 in FIG. 5 , the content verification presentation601 presented at FIG. 6 may include both the spreadsheet 503 and thehilarious video 504, from which the participant 407 could select whichcontent offering to share. In one or more embodiments, the plurality ofcontent offerings included with the content verification presentation601 includes all applications operating on the one or more (204) otherthan the shared space 502 of the videoconference application (207)engaged in the videoconference.

According, FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a solution to problems arising whencontent sharing operations are initiated during a videoconference. Inone or more embodiments, one or more processors (204) detect, during avideoconference, a communication device (206) electronically incommunication with both a content presentation companion device 405having a display and one or more remote electronic devices engaged inthe videoconference. When a participant 407 in the videoconferencedesires to share content with others, the one or more processors (204)receive, with a user interface, user input 505 requesting for thecontent to be shared from the conferencing system terminal device 200with the one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference.

However, in contrast to prior art systems that immediately make thecontent available for viewing by others, prior to causing thecommunication device (206) to share the content with the one or moreremote electronic devices during the videoconference, the one or moreprocessors (204) present, on the display of the content presentationcompanion device (here, the display of conferencing system terminaldevice 200 since it is acting as an auxiliary display for contentpresentation companion device 405), a content verification presentation601. To confirm the content included with the content verificationpresentation 601 is indeed content that a participant 407 desires toshare, the one or more processors (204) preclude any sharing until acontent share confirmation is received by actuating user actuationtarget 603 in this example, by another user interface of the contentpresentation companion device 405, in response to the contentverification presentation 601. In one or more embodiments, only afterthe content share confirmation is received do the one or more processors(204) share the content with the other participants of thevideoconference.

In some applications, the operations of FIGS. 5-7 are enabled only afterinitial content has been shared. Illustrating by example, if participant407 was initially sharing an image, and then elected to share thespreadsheet 503, in one or more embodiments the preview and/or selectionoperations performed by the content presentation companion device wouldbe enabled. Thus, in one or more embodiments, after detecting that theparticipant 407 is connected to a device (content presentation companiondevice 405) which is accompanied by a connected display device (providedby conferencing system terminal device 200 in this example, one or moreprocessors (204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 detectthat the participant 407 is engaged in a videoconference with content (apicture, for example) being shared by the participant 407 within ashared space 502 of a videoconference that is actively viewable by atleast one other participant 408,409,410 of the videoconference.

By receiving user input 505 indicating that the participant would liketo share additional content, e.g., the spreadsheet 503, other than whatis being currently shared, the operations of FIGS. 6-7 are enabled. Inone or more embodiments, a content verification presentation 601 ispresented that moves all the active windows and file explorer option tothe connected device viewing space (here the display of conferencingsystem terminal device 200), thereby allowing the participant 407 toselect which content to share. In one or more embodiments, the contentverification presentation 601 then privately previews the selectedcontent on the auxiliary display as shown in FIG. 6 . This also preventsany obscuration or restriction of viewable objects being presented inthe shared space 502 of the videoconference.

In one or more embodiments, once a content share confirmation isreceived via actuation of user actuation target 603, the one or moreprocessors (204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 move theselected content to the shared space 502 of the videoconference, therebyallowing the other participants 408,409,410 to view the shared content.In one or more embodiments, the content verification presentation 601includes an application or content selector 604 operable to launch aselected application to render the content. Where this is the case, oneor more processors (204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200actuate a selected application in response to receiving the contentshare confirmation. Thus, if the spreadsheet 503 had not been active, inone or more embodiments the participant 407 could use the contentselector 604 to launch the spreadsheet application to share thespreadsheet 503 in the shared space 502 of the videoconference. In theillustrative embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 , the spreadsheet 503 wasoperational but was merely partially obscured by the shared space 502 ofthe videoconference when the user input 505 requesting the communicationdevice (206) share the content was received.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , illustrated therein is one explanatory method800 for performing both the operations shown in FIGS. 5-7 , as well asadditional operations in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.Beginning at step 801, one or more processors of a conferencing systemterminal device detect, during a videoconference, that a communicationdevice of the conferencing system terminal device is electronically incommunication with both a content presentation companion device having adisplay and one or more remote electronic devices engaged in the videoconference.

The content presentation companion device could take any of a number offorms, including that of a portable electronic communication device 813,a pair of augmented reality or smart glasses 814, a smartwatch 815, oran external monitor 816. In the system shown in FIGS. 5-7 , whichincluded a conferencing system terminal device (200) engaged in avideoconference with one or more remote electronic devices and a contentpresentation companion device (405) in communication with theconferencing system terminal device (200) during the videoconference,the conferencing system terminal device (200) served as the “companion”device since the content presentation companion device (405) was actingas the primary display for participant (407). Other examples of contentpresentation companion devices will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

At step 802, the one or more processors of the conferencing systemterminal device detect that the conferencing system terminal device isengaged in a videoconference. At step 803, the one or more processorsdetect that content sharing capabilities have been enabled at theconferencing system terminal device. Step 803 can optionally includedetecting that a first content offering is actively being shared aswell.

Decision 804 determines whether the one or more processors of theconferencing system terminal device receive user input requestingcontent (or an additional content offering if a first content offeringis detected being shared at step 803) be shared from the conferencingsystem terminal device to the one or more remote electronic devices.Where such input is received, the method 800 can proceed in a variety ofways.

If a selection of content was made in conjunction with, or prior to, theuser input requesting the content (or an additional content offering ifa first content offering is detected being shared at step 803) be sharedwith the one or more remote electronic devices, in one or moreembodiments the method 800 moves to step 805 where the one or moreprocessors of the conferencing system terminal device present a previewof the selected content (or the selected additional content offering ifa first content offering is detected being shared at step 803) on thedisplay of the content presentation companion device for review. In oneor more embodiments, step 805 comprises also preventing the sharing ofthe selected content (or the selected additional content offering if afirst content offering is detected being shared at step 803) until acontent share confirmation is received from the content presentationcompanion device.

Decision 806 then determines if the content share confirmation isreceived. Where it is not, step 807 can comprise presenting a differentcontent offering from the actively available content offerings forconsideration. Thus, if the situation depicted above with reference toFIGS. 5-7 arose where a participant (407) meant to select a spreadsheet(503) but instead selected the hilarious video (504), after failing topresent the proper content on the display of the content presentationcompanion device when presenting the hilarious video (504), the one ormore processors may choose another actively open content offering, i.e.,the spreadsheet (503) to repeat the process. In an alternate embodiment,a content selector is presented at step 807 allowing the participant tomanually select the proper content. Thus, in one or more embodiments theone or more processors present, at step 807, an alternate contentselector on the display of the content presentation companion device andpreclude presentation of the content when the alternate selector isactuated. Thereafter, once the participant has selected the new contentoffering, step 807 can comprise the content verification presentationpresenting the newly selected content on the display of the contentpresentation companion device in response to the actuation of thealternate content selector and the corresponding new content selection.Of course, a combination of both approaches can be used with the contentverification presentation presented at step 805 presenting both acontent offering and a content selector, as illustrated above withreference to FIG. 6 .

In one or more embodiments, since any preview of a content selectionand/or alternate content selector are presented on a display of acontent presentation companion device, rather than the primary displayof the content presentation companion device/conferencing systemterminal device system, both steps 805 and 807 leave the videoconferenceunobscured while the content is being reviewed. Once the content shareconfirmation is received, the one or more processors can share thecontent in the shared space of the videoconference with the other remoteelectronic devices at step 812.

Alternatively, if the content has not been selected in conjunctionwith—or before—the user input requesting the share as detected bydecision 804, the method 800 can move to step 808. In one or moreembodiments, step 808 comprises presenting a content verificationpresentation comprising a plurality of content offerings available to beshared with the one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference. In one or more embodiments, this includes moving allactively operable applications and windows into the content verificationpresentation so that a participant can select which one or ones toshare. For example, the plurality of content offerings can comprise oneor more of an application actively operating on the one or moreprocessors, a tab of a web browser, an image or desktop view from adisplay of the conferencing system terminal device while engaged in thevideoconference, a file manager, an application window, or anothercontent offering. Still other examples of potential selections forinclusion with the content verification presentation will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Step 809 then comprises receiving a selection of the content to beshared from the plurality of content offerings. While this selection cancome at the conferencing system terminal device, in one or moreembodiments the selection is made privately at the display of thecontent presentation companion device. In one or more embodiments, theselection at step 809 occurs in conjunction with the receipt of acontent share confirmation. In other embodiments, step 809 comprisesfirst receiving the selection of the content offering and then receivingthe content share confirmation. Once the content share confirmation isreceived, the one or more processors can share the content in the sharedspace of the videoconference with the other remote electronic devices atstep 812.

In still other embodiments where the content has not been selected inconjunction with—or before—the user input requesting the share asdetected by decision 804, the method 800 can move to step 810. In one ormore embodiments, step 810 comprises presenting a content verificationpresentation that includes an application selector operable to launch aselected application to render the content to be shared.

Step 811 then comprises receiving a selection of the content to beshared from the plurality of content offerings. In one or moreembodiments, the selection at step 809 occurs in conjunction with thereceipt of a content share confirmation. In other embodiments, step 809comprises first receiving the selection of the content offering and thenreceiving the content share confirmation. In one or more embodiments,the one or more processors of the conferencing system terminal deviceactuate the selected application in response to receiving the contentshare confirmation. Once the content share confirmation is received, theone or more processors can share the content in the shared space of thevideoconference with the other remote electronic devices at step 812.

Embodiments of the disclosure work equally as well when the contentpresentation companion device is an augmented reality companion device.Illustrating by example, if the content presentation companion devicecomprises augmented reality glasses, in response to receiving, with auser interface, user input requesting for content to be shared from theconferencing system terminal device with the one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference and prior to causingthe communication device to share the content with the one or moreremote electronic devices during the videoconference, the one or moreprocessors can presenting, in a field of view of the augmented realityglasses, the content verification presentation. The one or moreprocessors can then receive, with a user interface of the conferencingsystem terminal device or the augmented reality glasses, a content shareconfirmation in response to the content verification presentation.

In one or more embodiments, when the content presentation companiondevice is configured as an augmented reality companion device, images ofthe content verification presentation are presented within a field ofview of the augmented reality glasses in a carousel presentation aroundthe conferencing system terminal device. In one or more embodiments, theparticipant can select the shared content via a gesture, gaze, mouseclick, or other user input. The one or more processors can then cause acommunication device of the conferencing system terminal device to sharethe selected content with one or more remote electronic devices duringthe videoconference in response to receiving the content shareconfirmation. Turning now to FIG. 9 , illustrated therein is one suchsystem.

As shown in FIG. 9 , multiple participants 407,408,409,410 again eachemploy their own respective conferencing system terminal device200,402,403,404 to engage with the other participants invideoconference. In this illustrative embodiment, participant 407 isusing an augmented reality companion device 100 configured as a pair ofaugmented reality glasses. The augmented reality companion device 100provides a field of view that functions as an auxiliary display for hisconferencing system terminal device 200.

As shown in FIG. 9 , each conferencing system terminal device200,402,403,404 is engaged in wired or wireless communication with eachother across a network 406. In this illustrative embodiment, eachconferencing system terminal device 200,402,403,404 is also incommunication with a video conferencing system server complex 417, whichfacilitates the videoconference. In one or more embodiments, the videoconferencing system server complex 417 functions as an intermediarydevice to facilitate sharing of audio and/or video content and/or databetween the various conferencing system terminal devices200,402,403,404.

In the illustrative example of FIG. 9 , participants 407,408,409,410 areeach engaged in the videoconference. The conferencing system terminaldevice 200 belonging to participant 407 is electronically incommunication with the augmented reality companion device 100. When theconferencing system terminal device 200 is electronically incommunication with the augmented reality companion device 100, thisallows the conferencing system terminal device 200 to cause thepresentation of augmented reality imagery within a field of view of theaugmented reality companion device 100. Illustrating by example, in oneor more embodiments the conferencing system terminal device 200 canoperate in a “content redirection” mode by presenting content such asmovies, videos, videoconferences. images, and even a traditionalcomputer user interface, within the field of view of the augmentedreality companion device 100.

Since the participants 407,408,409,410 are all engaged in avideoconference, each can see conference content in the form of acombined video feed from each other participant 407,408,409,410presented on the display of each conferencing system terminal device200,402,403,404, as well as a video feed of themselves. Under ordinaryconditions, each participant 407,408,409,410 can hear an audio feed fromeach other participant 407,408,409,410 as well.

As shown in FIG. 9 , participant 407 also wants to become the presenter.The one or more processors (204) of conferencing system terminal device200 detect, during the videoconference that the communication device(206) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 is electronicallyin communication with both the augmented reality companion device 100and one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference, here conferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404.Since participant 407 desires to share content with the otherconferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404, he delivers user input905 to the user interface of conferencing system terminal device 200requesting for content to be shared from the conferencing systemterminal device 200 with the other conferencing system terminal devices402,403,404 engaged in the videoconference.

Participant 407 could have selected the content prior to delivering theuser input 905 as was described above in the example set forth in FIGS.5-7 . However, in this illustrative embodiment, no such selection hasbeen made. This is intentional, as FIGS. 9-11 show an alternateembodiment that can be used either with a content presentation companiondevice (405) or an augmented reality companion device 100. Accordingly,the method of FIGS. 9-11 could proceed exactly as did FIGS. 5-7 afterthe user input (505) was received, and the method of FIGS. 5-7 couldproceed as does FIGS. 9-11 due to the fact that the content to be sharedcan be selected before, or after, the user input (505),905 is deliveredrequesting sharing. Thus, the description of FIGS. 5-7 is incorporatedby reference and is applicable to FIGS. 9-11 , while the description ofFIGS. 9-11 is incorporated by reference and is app to FIGS. 5-7 .

The system of FIGS. 9-11 allows participant 407 to make a selection ofwhat content offering to share after delivering the user input 905requesting that content be shared. In one or more embodiments, the userinput 905 is delivered before any content offering is shared. In otherembodiments, user input 905 is delivered after an initial contentoffering is shared. Of course, combinations of these two approaches canbe used as well.

Turning now to FIG. 10 , illustrated therein is one explanatory method1000 illustrating how this can occur. Others will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

At step 1001, one or more processors (204) of the conferencing systemterminal device 200 receive the user input 905 requesting for content tobe shared from the conferencing system terminal device 200 with one ormore remote electronic devices. The one or more processors (204) detectat step 1001, during a videoconference, that a communication device(206) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 is in communicationwith both an augmented reality companion device 100 and the one or moreremote electronic devices engaged in the videoconference.

At step 1002, prior to causing the communication device (206) to sharethe content with the one or more remote electronic devices during thevideoconference, the one or more processors present, in a field of view1004 of the augmented reality companion device 100, a contentverification presentation 1005. As shown at step 1002, in one or moreembodiments the conferencing system terminal device 200 is within thefield of view 1004. So as not to obscure the participant's view of theconferencing system terminal device 200, in one or more embodiments thepresentation of the content verification presentation 1005 results in anabsence of overlap between the augmented reality images of the contentverification presentation 1005 and the conferencing system terminaldevice 200.

In one or more embodiments, step 1002 presents the augmented realityimages of the content verification presentation 1005 within the field ofview 1004 with a carousel presentation around the conferencing systemterminal device 200. As shown at step 1002, the carousel presentationdefines a ring at least partially encircling the view of theconferencing system terminal device 200 through the augmented realitycompanion device 100. In one or more embodiments, the carouselpresentation causes the augmented reality images of the contentverification presentation 1005 to encircle the view of the conferencingsystem terminal device 200. However, other configurations for thecarousel presentation can occur as well. Illustrating by example, thecarousel presentation could cause the augmented reality images to definea square about the view of the conferencing system terminal device 200.Alternatively, the carousel presentation of step 1002 may be omitted,with the augmented reality images of the content verificationpresentation 1005 being presented above, to the side, or below the viewof the conferencing system terminal device 200. Other configurations forthe content verification presentation 1005 will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As shown at step 1002, in one or more embodiments the augmented realityimages of the content verification presentation 1005 present a pluralityof content offerings available to be shared with the one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference. As with the system ofFIGS. 5-7 , this plurality of content offerings can comprise one or moreof an application 1006 actively operating on the one or more processors(204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200, a tab of a webbrowser 1007, an image 1008 of a display of the conferencing systemterminal device 200 operating during the videoconference, a file manager1009, or an application window 1010. Other examples of potential contentofferings suitable for inclusion with the content verificationpresentation 1005 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, step 1002 comprises receiving a selection1011 of the content to be shared from the plurality of content offeringsincluded with the content verification presentation 1005. The selection1011 can be made in a number of ways. In one or more embodiments, theselection 1011 comprises the participant (407) gazing toward aparticular content offering, with that gaze being detected by theaugmented reality companion device 100. In another embodiment, theselection 1011 is made when the participant (407) makes a gesture towarda particular content offering within the field of view 1004. In anotherembodiment, the selection 1011 is made when the participant (407)delivers user input to the conferencing system terminal device 200.Other examples of how the selection 1011 can be made will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the selection 1011 comprises, or occurswith, a content share confirmation. Said differently, in one or moreembodiments a content share confirmation comprises the selection 1011.Accordingly, in one or more embodiments step 1002 further comprisesreceiving a content share confirmation in response to the contentverification presentation 1005. In one or more embodiments, step 1002comprises the one or more processors (204) of the conferencing systemterminal device 200 precluding the communication device (206) of theconferencing system terminal device 200 from sharing any content untilthe content share confirmation is received. Step 1003 then comprises theone or more processors (204) of the conferencing system terminal device200 causing the communication device (206) to share the selected content1012 with the one or more remote electronic devices during thevideoconference in response to receiving the content share confirmationat step 1002.

Turning now to FIG. 11 , illustrated therein are the results of themethod (1000) of FIG. 10 . Participant 407 has selected a spreadsheet503 as the content to be shared delivering a content share confirmationto the one or more processors (204) of the conferencing system terminaldevice 200. This causes the spreadsheet 503 to be shared with the otherconferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404. As shown in FIG. 11 ,this results in the spreadsheet 503 being moved to the shared space ofthe videoconference. As shown on the display of conferencing systemterminal device 402, this means the spreadsheet 503 is successfullybeing shown to other participants 408,409,410 in the shared space of thevideoconference.

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 9-11 , in one or more embodiments one ormore processors (204) of a conferencing system terminal device 200detect that a videoconference participant 407 is operating aconferencing system terminal device 200 that is in communication with anaugmented reality companion device 100. The system then detects that thevideoconference participant 407 is engaged in an active videoconference.

In one or more embodiments, the system then determines that thevideoconference participant 407 would like to share content with theother conferencing system terminal devices 402,403,404. In one or moreembodiments, one or more processors (204) of the conferencing systemterminal device 200 then move all the active windows and/or a fileexplorer option to the content verification presentation 1005 that ispresented in a non-overlapping manner with the view of the conferencingsystem terminal device 200 within that field of view 1004. This allowsthe participant 407 to privately preview the content and/or choose newcontent to be shared in the shared space of the videoconference. In oneor more embodiments, this information presented in the field of view1004 in a carousel presentation around the view of the conferencingsystem terminal device 200, although other configuration presentationswill be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure.

Once a content share confirmation is received in response to the contentverification presentation 1005, the system can move the active windowselection from the field of view 1004 of the augmented reality companiondevice 100 to the shared space of the videoconference. Advantageously,presenting the content verification presentation 1005 within the fieldof view 1004 of the augmented reality companion device 100 avoids anyobscuration or restriction of the video feeds of the participants408,409,410 and/or any other content currently being shared with theother videoconference participants 408,409,410. The system does this bykeeping the “to be shared” content private and visible only to theparticipant 407 requesting the share until the content shareconfirmation is received. Once the content share confirmation isreceived, the shared content is moved to the shared space and madevisible to the remainder of the participants 408,409,410.

When the augmented reality companion device 100 has a field of viewwider than the conferencing system terminal device 200 with which theaugmented reality companion device 100 is in communication, the one ormore processors (204) of the conferencing system terminal device 200 canmove all the active windows and/or a file explorer option into a fieldof view 1004 of the augmented reality companion device 100 that isnon-overlapping with the conferencing system terminal device 200 withwhich the augmented reality companion device 100 is operating. In one ormore embodiments, these images are presented in a carousel presentationwithin the field of view 1004 of the augmented reality companion device100 that at least partially encircles the view of the conferencingsystem terminal device 200. From this carousel presentation, thevideoconference participant 407 can choose a new active window to beshared in the shared space. In one or more embodiments, the carouselpresentation is presented as a content verification presentation 1005.

Presenting these available options to the participant 407 in the fieldof view 1004 of the augmented reality companion device 100 in anon-overlapping manner with the conferencing system terminal device200—rather than in the shared space of the videoconference—prevents theavailable options from obscuring or restricting the content currentlybeing shared in the shared space while the selection is being made. Oncethe sharing participant 407 provides a content share confirmation inresponse to the content verification presentation 1005, which can be inthe form of a gesture, a gaze, or other selection of the contentofferings, the system causes a communication device (206) of theconferencing system terminal device 200 to share the selected contentwith the other participants 408,409,410 of the videoconference.

Advantageously, moving the active window selection to the field of view1004 of the augmented reality companion device 100 allows unsharedcontent to remain private to the sharing participant 407 of thevideoconference until the content share confirmation is delivered. Oncethe content share confirmation is delivered, the selected content can bemoved to the shared space and made viewable to the other participants408,409,410 of the videoconference.

Turning now to FIG. 12 , illustrated therein is an explanatory method1200 of performing the functions illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 . Beginningwith step 1201, one or more processors of a conferencing system terminaldevice detect a communication device in communication with both one ormore remote electronic devices and an augmented reality companiondevice. At step 1202, the one or more processors detect that theconferencing system terminal device is engaged in a videoconference withthe one or more remote electronic devices.

At step 1203, the one or more processors detect that content sharingcapabilities have been enabled at the conferencing system terminaldevice. Step 1203 can optionally include detecting that a first contentoffering is actively being shared as well. Decision 1204 determineswhether the one or more processors of the conferencing system terminaldevice receive user input requesting content (or an additional contentoffering if a first content offering is detected being shared at step1203) be shared from the conferencing system terminal device to the oneor more remote electronic devices.

Prior to causing the communication device of the conferencing systemterminal device to share any content with the one or more remoteelectronic devices, step 1205 comprises presenting, in a field of viewof the augmented reality companion device, a content verificationpresentation. In one or more embodiments, step 1205 comprises the one ormore processors of the conferencing system terminal device preventingthe communication device from performing the content sharing operationuntil a content share confirmation is received from either a userinterface of the augmented reality companion device or another userinterface of the conferencing system terminal device in response to theone or more processors causing the augmented reality companion device topresent the content verification presentation. In one or moreembodiments, the content verification presentation comprises one or moreaugmented reality images presented within a field of view of theaugmented reality companion device.

In one or more embodiments, step 1205 comprises the one or moreprocessors causing the one or more augmented reality images to bepresented without overlapping eth conferencing system terminal devicewithin the field of view. The content verification presentationpresented at step 1205 can comprise a plurality of content offeringsavailable to be shared during the content sharing operation. Examplesinclude one or more of one or more of an application 1210 activelyoperating on the one or more processors, a tab 1209 of a web browser, anactive window 1208 open on the conferencing system terminal deviceduring the videoconference, a file manager 1211, or an applicationwindow. In one or more embodiments, each content offering of theplurality of content offerings corresponds to each augmented realityimage of the plurality of augmented reality images on a one-to-onebasis.

Step 1206 then comprises receiving a selection of the content to beshared from the plurality of content offerings. This can be made in avariety of ways, including gazing 1212 at a selected augmented realityimage corresponding to the content that should be shared, making agesture 1213 within the field of view, speaking into microphones of theaugmented reality companion device to identify the selected content, orby using other techniques. Alternatively, the selection can be made bydelivering user input to the augmented reality companion device,examples of which include a mouse click 1214 or keyboard control 1215.Other techniques for making the selection will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the selection at step 1206 occurs inconjunction with the receipt of a content share confirmation. In otherembodiments, step 1206 comprises first receiving the selection of thecontent offering and then receiving the content share confirmation. Oncethe content share confirmation is received, the one or more processorscan share the content in the shared space of the videoconference withthe other remote electronic devices at step 1207.

The method 1200 of FIG. 12 can be used with a system comprising aconferencing system terminal device engaged in a videoconference withboth one or more remote electronic devices and an augmented realitycompanion device in communication with the conferencing system terminaldevice during the videoconference and comprising a display. Illustratingby example, decision 1204 can comprise one or more processors detectingreceipt of user input requesting content sharing with the one or moreremote electronic devices, while step 1205 can comprise presentingcontent offerings available for the content sharing in an orbit aroundthe conferencing system terminal device within a field of view of theaugmented reality companion device. Step 1205 can optionally compriseprecluding the content sharing until a content share confirmation isreceived comprising a selected content offering from the orbit at step1206.

Step 1207 can then comprise the one or more processors performing thecontent sharing of the selected content offering in response to thecontent share confirmation, and so forth. In one or more embodiments,step 1207 comprises causing an initial reveal of the selected content tothe one or more remote electronic devices during the videoconference.For instance, there was no shared content occurring in FIG. 9 above,while the delivery of the content share confirmation caused thespreadsheet (503) to be revealed in FIG. 11 .

Turning now to FIGS. 13-14 , illustrated therein are various embodimentsof the disclosure. The embodiments of FIGS. 13-14 are shown as labeledboxes in FIGS. 13-14 due to the fact that the individual components ofthese embodiments have been illustrated in detail in FIGS. 1-12 , whichprecede FIGS. 13-14 . Accordingly, since these items have previouslybeen illustrated and described, their repeated illustration is no longeressential for a proper understanding of these embodiments. Thus, theembodiments are shown as labeled boxes.

At 1301, a method in a conferencing system terminal device comprisesdetecting, with one or more processors during a videoconference, acommunication device electronically in communication with both a contentpresentation companion device having a display and one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference.

At 1301, the method comprises receiving, with a user interface, userinput requesting for content to be shared from the conferencing systemterminal device with the one or more remote electronic devices engagedin the videoconference. At 1301, prior to causing the communicationdevice to share the content with the one or more remote electronicdevices during the videoconference, the method comprises presenting, onthe display of the content presentation companion device, a contentverification presentation and receiving, by another user interface ofthe content presentation companion device, a content share confirmationin response to the content verification presentation.

At 1302, the method of 1301 further comprises causing, by the one ormore processors, the communication device to share the content with theone or more remote electronic devices during the videoconference inresponse to receiving the content share confirmation. At 1303, themethod of 1302 further comprises precluding, by the one or moreprocessors, the communication device from sharing the content with theone or more remote electronic devices during the videoconference untilthe content share confirmation is received at the another user interfaceof the content presentation companion device.

At 1304, the content verification presentation of 1303 presents thecontent on the display of the content presentation companion device. At1305, the content verification presentation of 1303 presents a pluralityof content offerings available to be shared with the one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference. At 1306, theplurality of content offerings presented at 1305 comprise one or more ofan application actively operating on the one or more processors, a tabof a web browser, an image of another display of the conferencing systemterminal device while operating during the videoconference, a filemanager, or an application window.

At 1307, the method of 1305 further comprises receiving a selection ofthe content from the plurality of content offerings at the display ofthe content presentation companion device. AT 1308, the content shareconfirmation of 1307 comprises a selection of the content from theplurality of content offerings.

At 1309, the content of 1303 as at least partially obscured on anotherdisplay of the conferencing system terminal device when the user inputrequesting the content be shared with the one or more remote electronicdevices is received.

At 1310, a conferencing system terminal device comprises a communicationdevice in communication with both one or more remote electronic devicesduring a videoconference and a content presentation companion device. At1301, the conferencing system terminal device comprises a user interfacereceiving user input requesting the communication device share contentfrom the conferencing system terminal device with the one or more remoteelectronic devices.

At 1310, the conferencing system terminal device comprises one or moreprocessors operable with the communication device and the userinterface. At 1310, the one or more processors prevent the communicationdevice from sharing the content with the one or more remote electronicdevices until a content share confirmation is received from the contentpresentation companion device in response to the one or more processorscausing the communication device to present a content verificationpresentation on a display of the content presentation companion device.

At 1311, the content verification presentation of 1310 comprises aplurality of content offerings available to be shared as the content. At1312, the content of 1311 is selected from the plurality of contentofferings available from the content verification presentation. At 1313,the plurality of content offerings of 1311 comprises all applicationsactively operating on the one or more processors other than avideoconference application engaged in the videoconference.

At 1314, the plurality of content offerings of 1312 comprises anapplication selector operable to launch a selected application to renderthe content. At 1314, the one or more processors actuate the selectedapplication in response to receiving the content share confirmation. At1315, the content of 1310 is at least partially obscured by thevideoconference when the user input requesting the communication deviceshare the content.

At 1316, a system comprises a conferencing system terminal deviceengaged in a videoconference with one or more remote electronic devices.At 1316, the system comprises a content presentation companion device incommunication with the conferencing system terminal device during thevideoconference and comprising a display.

At 1316, the conferencing system terminal device comprises one or moreprocessors receiving user input requesting content be shared from theconferencing system terminal device to the one or more remote electronicdevices. At 1316, the one or more processors present the content on thedisplay of the content presentation companion device for review andprevent sharing of the content until a content share confirmation isreceived from the content presentation companion device.

At 1317, the one or more processors of 1316 present an alternate contentselector on the display of the content presentation companion device andprecluding presentation of the content when the alternate contentselector is actuated. At 1318, the one or more processors of 1317present other content on the display of the content presentationcompanion device for review when the alternate content selector isactuated.

At 1319, the content presentation companion device comprises augmentedreality glasses. At 1320, the one or more processors of 1316 leave thevideoconference unobscured while the content is presented on the displayof the content presentation companion device for review.

Turning now to FIG. 14 , illustrated therein are other embodiments ofthe disclosure. At 1401, a method in a conferencing system terminaldevice comprises detecting, with one or more processors during avideoconference, a communication device electronically in communicationwith both an augmented reality companion device and one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference. At 1401, the methodcomprises receiving, with a user interface, user input requesting forcontent to be shared from the conferencing system terminal device withthe one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference.

At 1401, and prior to causing the communication device to share thecontent with the one or more remote electronic devices during thevideoconference, the method includes presenting, in a field of view ofthe augmented reality companion device, a content verificationpresentation. At 1401, the method comprises receiving, with the userinterface, a content share confirmation in response to the contentverification presentation.

At 1402, when the conferencing system terminal device of 1401 is withinthe field of view, the presenting results in an absence of overlapbetween images of the content verification presentation and theconferencing system terminal device. At 1403, the images of the contentverification presentation of 1402 are presented within the field of viewwith a carousel presentation around the conferencing system terminaldevice.

At 1404, the content verification presentation of 1401 presents aplurality of content offerings available to be shared with the one ormore remote electronic devices engaged in the videoconference. At 1405,the method of 1404 further comprises receiving a selection of thecontent from the plurality of content offerings from the augmentedreality companion device.

At 1406, the selection of 1405 comprises a gesture within the field ofview. At 1407, the selection of 1405 comprises a gaze toward a contentoffering of the plurality of content offerings. At 1408, the selectionof 1405 comprises a selection of the content from the plurality ofcontent offerings.

At 1409, the plurality of content offerings of 1405 comprise one or moreof an application actively operating on the one or more processors, atab of a web browser, an image of a display of the conferencing systemterminal device operating during the videoconference, a file manager, oran application window.

At 1410, the method of 1405 further comprises causing, by the one ormore processors, the communication device to share the content with theone or more remote electronic devices during the videoconference inresponse to receiving the content share confirmation. At 1411, themethod of 1410 further comprises precluding, by the one or moreprocessors, the communication device from sharing the content with theone or more remote electronic devices during the videoconference untilthe content share confirmation is received.

At 1412, a conferencing system terminal device comprises a communicationdevice in communication with both one or more remote electronic devicesduring a videoconference and an augmented reality companion device. At1412, the conferencing system terminal device comprises a user interfacereceiving user input requesting the communication device perform acontent share operation with the one or more remote electronic devicesduring the videoconference.

At 1412, the conferencing system terminal device comprises one or moreprocessors operable with the communication device and the userinterface. At 1412, the one or more processors prevent the communicationdevice from performing the content sharing operation until a contentshare confirmation is received from the augmented reality companiondevice in response to the one or more processors causing the augmentedreality companion device to present a content verification presentationas one or more augmented reality images within a field of view of theaugmented reality companion device.

At 1413, the one or more processors of 1412 cause the one or moreaugmented reality images to be presented without overlapping theconferencing system terminal device in the field of view. At 1414, thecontent verification presentation of 1212 comprises a plurality ofcontent offerings available to be shared during the content sharingoperation. At 1415, the content of 1414 is selected for sharing duringthe content sharing operation from the plurality of content offeringsavailable from the content verification presentation.

At 1416, the one or more augmented reality images of 1414 comprise aplurality of augmented reality images. At 1416, each content offering ofthe plurality of content offerings corresponds to each augmented realityimage of the plurality of augmented reality images on a one-to-onebasis.

At 1417, a system comprises a conferencing system terminal deviceengaged in a videoconference with one or more remote electronic devices.At 1417, the system comprises an augmented reality companion device incommunication with the conferencing system terminal device during thevideoconference and comprising a display.

At 1417, the conferencing system terminal device comprises one or moreprocessors receiving user input requesting content sharing with the oneor more remote electronic devices. At 1417, the one or more processorspresents content offerings available for the content sharing in an orbitaround the conferencing system terminal device within a field of view ofthe augmented reality companion device, preclude the content sharinguntil a content share confirmation is received comprising a selectedcontent offering from the orbit.

At 1418, the augmented reality companion device of 1417 comprisesaugmented reality glasses. At 1419, the one or more processors of 1417perform the content sharing of the selected content offering in responseto the content share confirmation. At 1420, the content sharing of 1419causes an initial reveal of the selected content to the one or moreremote electronic devices during the videoconference.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method in a conferencing system terminaldevice, the method comprising: detecting, with one or more processorsduring a videoconference, a communication device electronically incommunication with both: a content presentation companion device havinga display; and one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference; receiving, with a user interface, user input requestingfor content to be shared from the conferencing system terminal devicewith the one or more remote electronic devices engaged in thevideoconference; and prior to causing the communication device to sharethe content with the one or more remote electronic devices during thevideoconference: presenting, on the display of the content presentationcompanion device, a content verification presentation; and receiving, byanother user interface of the content presentation companion device, acontent share confirmation in response to the content verificationpresentation.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing, bythe one or more processors, the communication device to share thecontent with the one or more remote electronic devices during thevideoconference in response to receiving the content share confirmation.3. The method of claim 2, further comprising precluding, by the one ormore processors, the communication device from sharing the content withthe one or more remote electronic devices during the videoconferenceuntil the content share confirmation is received at the another userinterface of the content presentation companion device.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, the content verification presentation presenting the content onthe display of the content presentation companion device.
 5. The methodof claim 3, the content verification presentation presenting a pluralityof content offerings available to be shared with the one or more remoteelectronic devices engaged in the videoconference.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, the plurality of content offerings comprising one or more of anapplication actively operating on the one or more processors, a tab of aweb browser, an image of another display of the conferencing systemterminal device while operating during the videoconference, a filemanager, or an application window.
 7. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising receiving a selection of the content from the plurality ofcontent offerings at the display of the content presentation companiondevice.
 8. The method of claim 7, the content share confirmationcomprising a selection of the content from the plurality of contentofferings.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein the content is at leastpartially obscured on another display of the conferencing systemterminal device when the user input requesting the content be sharedwith the one or more remote electronic devices is received.
 10. Aconferencing system terminal device, comprising a communication devicein communication with both: one or more remote electronic devices duringa videoconference; and a content presentation companion device; a userinterface receiving user input requesting the communication device sharecontent from the conferencing system terminal device with the one ormore remote electronic devices; and one or more processors operable withthe communication device and the user interface, the one or moreprocessors preventing the communication device from sharing the contentwith the one or more remote electronic devices until a content shareconfirmation is received from the content presentation companion devicein response to the one or more processors causing the communicationdevice to present a content verification presentation on a display ofthe content presentation companion device.
 11. The conferencing systemterminal device of claim 10, the content verification presentationcomprising a plurality of content offerings available to be shared asthe content.
 12. The conferencing system terminal device of claim 11,wherein the content is selected from the plurality of content offeringsavailable from the content verification presentation.
 13. Theconferencing system terminal device of claim 11, wherein the pluralityof content offerings comprises all applications actively operating onthe one or more processors other than a videoconference applicationengaged in the videoconference.
 14. The conferencing system terminaldevice of claim 12, wherein: the plurality of content offeringscomprises an application selector operable to launch a selectedapplication to render the content; and the one or more processorsactuate the selected application in response to receiving the contentshare confirmation.
 15. The conferencing system terminal device of claim10, wherein the content is at least partially obscured by thevideoconference when the user input requesting the communication deviceshare the content.
 16. A system, comprising: a conferencing systemterminal device engaged in a videoconference with one or more remoteelectronic devices; and a content presentation companion device incommunication with the conferencing system terminal device during thevideoconference and comprising a display; the conferencing systemterminal device comprising one or more processors receiving user inputrequesting content be shared from the conferencing system terminaldevice to the one or more remote electronic devices, presenting thecontent on the display of the content presentation companion device forreview, and preventing sharing of the content until a content shareconfirmation is received from the content presentation companion device.17. The system of claim 16, the one or more processors presenting analternate content selector on the display of the content presentationcompanion device and precluding presentation of the content when thealternate content selector is actuated.
 18. The system of claim 17, theone or more processors presenting other content on the display of thecontent presentation companion device for review when the alternatecontent selector is actuated.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein thecontent presentation companion device comprises augmented realityglasses.
 20. The system of claim 16, the one or more processors leavingthe videoconference unobscured while the content is presented on thedisplay of the content presentation companion device for review.